Wishing all the mothers out there all the best for a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable Mother's Day.
Unfortunately, many mothers are finding it a little bit harder to get those things this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on mothers causing them to suffer more stress-related illness than ever before. Many are reaching alarming burnout states. Many have been forced to leave their jobs to care for their children. Many are feeling exhausted and empty inside. https://www.mavenclinic.com/lp/parents-at-the-best-workplaces-2020
Added to that, the recent Supreme Court draft opinion leak threatening a woman's right to choose has also had a negative impact on the the way many women are feeling (myself included). Many have found themselves working through the stages of grief, fearing the loss of a right that protected them for their entire lives. I find myself still in the shock and disbelief stage, remembering learning about how important Roe v. Wade was for women's freedom during my college days. My female coaching clients are feeling the impact too.
These two factors can take a toll and Mother's Day is as good a time as any to think about what you need most right now. Below, are 22 ideas that may help you find a little more peace this Mother's Day, when times are extra challenging for women. Most of these ideas will be helpful for women without children as well:
Take a break from the news and be mindful of its impact on you when you watch
Be extra kind and compassionate to yourself
Heed your early warning signs of stress vs. ignore them
Make those doctor appointments you've been putting off
Get 8 hours of sleep
Schedule consistent rest and recovery
Exercise
Leave a toxic workplace or relationship
Let go of perfectionism
Carve time out for fun and socialization
Speak to yourself in the same loving way you speak to your kids or a friend
Take time to discover your values so you may align your actions with them
Buy yourself the gift you wanted
Learn how to stay present by being vs. doing
Set a timer for 5 or more minutes and sit and do nothing
Try mindfulness techniques of meditation, breathwork or time in nature
Unplug from technology
Listen to music you love
Pet your dog or cat for 5+ minutes
Take a walk
Take a bath
Set a reminder on 4/23/23 to tell your family what you really want next year for Mother's Day (this is different for everyone but can be a gift, flowers, a trip, a massage, time with family, time without family, you get the idea).
If finding time for one or a few of these items seems impossible to you, please reach out to me. We can work through your schedule and responsibilities and find ways to prioritize these important habits.
For info on warning signs of stress and burnout for leaders (if you are a mom, you are a leader), as well as ways to address them, check out a video series I created a few years ago (pre-pandemic) here
You’ve only got one wild and precious life and there is no time like the present to start habits that will make you feel whole, happy, healthy and successful.
Janine Friedman, Owner of Choice Training and Coaching Solutions, Inc. is an executive and leadership coach who is passionate about supporting women who are struggling to achieve success in the workplace and in life. She provides the tools necessary to help women develop the competence and confidence to reach their full potential. To learn more about her background click here.
Book a FREE exploratory coaching session here: https://calendly.com/janine-choice/55min
Success is a Choice.